Health Officials Concerned Over New Mosquito-Borne Virus

chikungunya virusHealth officials in Tennessee say they are investigating what could be a new mosquito-borne virus in the state. The Tennessee Department of Health said the state may have its first cases of the chikungunya virus, which is painful but not usually fatal. Officials said those exhibiting symptoms recently traveled to the Caribbean, where the disease has reached an epidemic state. Symptoms, including a high fever, nausea and joint pain, can be severe. State Health Department officials say anyone exhibiting symptoms should limit their exposure to mosquitoes because the insects can pick up the virus from an infected person and spread it.